2015 MV Agusta Stradale 800 Review

sport or touring? comfort or performance? the stradale 800 paints a whole new picture. the beauty of boundless scenery, the headiness of mountain hairpins, the excitement of city traffic: every mile an experience to be enjoyed. emotion.

Engine MV Agusta’s in-line three cylinder engine is a stunning example of a motorcycle platform designed to be compatible with a multiplicity of models. The outcome of a precise strategy that has led to the creation and consolidation of a steadily growing product range, this engine – fully designed and developed entirely by MV Agusta – features technology and performance that will make it unrivalled for a long time to come. The compactness and ultra-low weight (52 kg) of the engine, while imitated by many other manufacturers, remain MV Agusta hallmarks, providing immediate benefits in terms of ride dynamics. The closed-deck shell-cast crankcase has integral bore liners. The coolant and oil circuits as well as their respective pumps are fully incorporated in the castings. The counter-rotating crankshaft reduces inertia when changing direction, enhancing handling. On the Stradale 800, engine width has been contained even further thanks to the installation of a new hydraulically-controlled clutch with integrated fluid reservoir: a solution that makes the already-narrow engine even slimmer.

Then there are the practical advantages of higher-precision clutch actuation and the improved comfort that comes with reduced clutch-lever effort. On this model, the in-line 3-cylinder power unit has a personality all of its own: more specifically, the configuration specially developed for the new Stradale 800 really brings out the engine’s elasticity and acceleration, once again demonstrating its exceptional versatility.

When it comes to the power delivery maps modelled on those of the sportiest models in the range, the new Stradale 800 engine packs plenty of torque right from the bottom of the rev range; torque peaks in the mid-range and continues to set the standard for exceptional high-end acceleration all the way up to 12,000 rpm, when the rev limiter kicks in.

The 4 different engine maps provide two maximum power options: 115 hp at 11,000 rpm in Sport mode, with all control parameters set to deliver an exhilarating throttle response; 90 hp maximum power in Normal and Rain mode, with power delivery curves that favour low-to-medium revs. Further development of the removable 6-speed constant-mesh gearbox has resulted in even smoother shifting and total reliability; EAS (Electronically Assisted Shift) 2.0 is included as standard equipment. The new silencer provides additional volume (+2.8 litres), contributing to optimised power delivery. What’s more, while it contains noise levels, it does so without compromising the throaty sound that is the hallmark of the MV Agusta in-line 3-cylinder engine.

Electronics MV Agusta leads the way in the fast-paced development of bike control systems thanks to a strategic decision to create an electronics platform specifically for the three-cylinder range. On the Stradale 800, the MVICS (Motor&Vehicle Integrated Control System) platform, already used on other bikes in the range, has been given a control logic and hardware upgrade (Eldor NEMO EM2.0) that maximises system performance: it manages the Ride By Wire throttle, the 47 mm Mikuni throttle bodies, ignition control, engine maps, traction control and the EAS 2.0 (Electronically Assisted Shift) system. Four engine maps (Sport, Normal, Rain and Custom) allow riders to adjust a host of parameters, with personalisation possibilities reaching their peak in Custom mode: engine torque curve in line with power output (two levels), rev limiter cut-in point (Hard or Soft), throttle sensitivity (three levels), engine braking (two levels), engine response (two levels) and, naturally, traction control (eight levels, disengageable). The excellent EAS 2.0 quickshifter introduces another significant development as it is also present for the first time with clutchless down-shifting. This lets the rider up- and down-shift without having to use the clutch, providing considerable benefits in terms of comfort and sports performance while further highlighting the decidedly dual vocation of this MV Agusta.

The Stradale 800 also has a highly original dashboard design: offering a complete array of information, it features eye-catching screen graphics and refined ice-white backlighting. These enhanced graphics also make info easier to read and give the bike added panache. The lighting makes the panel easy to read during the day, even in direct sunlight. After-dark info reading is equally easy on the eyes thanks to first-rate panel illumination. Now riders are also provided with precise fuel level information, provided by a special proportional sensor located inside the tank. As usual, all bike control parameters can be accessed via the handlebar controls and checked at a glance: parameter adjustment is fast and user-friendly.

The frame and suspension Comfort and performance: Unique features highlight the versatile vocation of the Stradale 800. The ALS tubular steel structure with a mid-section consisting of aluminium alloy side plates has already been used on other MV Agusta models – but the frame on the Stradale 800 is entirely new. A steering head angle of 25.5°, a 110 mm trail and a 1460 mm wheelbase provide a chassis that is responsive, never twitchy and perfectly in keeping with the type of riding this model has been designed for. To improve traction the single-sided aluminium swingarm is now 607 mm long. Significant upgrades have also been made to the suspension: a special linkage at the rear connects the fully adjustable monoshock to the swingarm, providing 150 mm of wheel travel, ensuring comfort whatever the road conditions may be. Likewise, 150 mm of travel is also provided at the front by the Marzocchi fork, featuring hydraulic (compression and rebound) and sprung (pre-load) adjustment. Meticulous attention has also been paid to the riding position: the seat height of 870 mm facilitates handling and manoeuvrability, at a standstill and at very low speeds. To enhance ergonomics, the Stradale also has its own specially designed seat padding. A 20 mm lower seat is available as optional equipment. Set higher than on sports models, the handlebars reduce arm strain and improve comfort over longer distances. The traditional rear-view mirrors provide a clear view of what’s going on behind the bike Easily height-adjustable with just one hand, even when on the move, the screen provides rider and passenger with improved airflow protection, yet can also be made more streamlined and sporty. In fact, the screen height can be adjusted by up to 50 mm, while the tilt angle can be varied by 5°. The tank designed for the new Stradale 800 holds up to 16 litres, ensuring the bike puts in plenty of miles between fuel stops; range is further extended by the excellent fuel efficiency of the three-cylinder engine. Precise definition of volumes has resulted in compact overall dimensions, enhancing both the look and ergonomics of the bike. The braking system is a perfect combination of power, safety and precise control thanks to the standard equipment Bosch 9 Plus ABS with RLM (Rear Wheel Lift-up Mitigation): this last function prevents any dangerous variations in suspension pitch. Up front, racing type discs (Ã˜ 320 mm) have been matched with radialmounted Brembo 4-piston callipers (Ã˜ 32 mm); the rear disc, on the other hand, has a diameter of 220 mm and is gripped by a 2-piston calliper (Ã˜ 34 mm). Standard equipment tyres consist of either the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II or Scorpion Trail, 120/70-ZR17 at the front and 180/55-ZR17 at the rear. The rear wheel has been specifically designed for the Stradale 800.

Design and outfitting MV Agusta exclusivity shines through in every detail, including the design of the side panniers. A perfect match for the eye-catching look of the bike, thanks in part to the paint finish, these feature integrated LED light clusters that duplicate those on the sides of bike. When the side panniers are removed from their mounts – equipped with special electrical connectors and locks – the lateral light clusters on the bike itself are activated. This system automatically maintains maximum vehicle visibility, thus ensuring excellent rider and passenger safety. MV Agusta has also developed a dedicated top box, available as part of its range of original accessories.

MV Agusta is committed to the constant improvement of our products. Therefore the information and technical characteristics of the vehicles are subject to change without notice.

* Top speed attained on closed course. ** Limited power versions available on demand. Every country could have a price variation due to local import duties and taxes.

Suggested Starting Price shown does not include tax, title, or destination charge. Dealer prices may vary. Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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